This West Coast trio, boasting a new CD entitled “Blaze” marched on stage, donning black Stetsons, and, well, black everything else. Their persona and set list would brings to mind a mashup between Thievery Corporation, Johnny Cash and every desert mirage in-between.

Each member is a consummate showman. The band drums up enthusiasm with low-growling vocals, ambitious jaw harp solos and raw blues harp riffs. Exchanging instruments in a flash, they consistently brandished their versatility. Sometimes mimicking the hum of hollowed-out bamboo; other times, celebrating Africa, with the goni harp or the delicate Kalimba.

They sure weren’t shy about merging politics into their rootsy/electronic fare:

“Chicago, are you ready for a revolution, my friends? Take it to the streets.”

And against a litany of cantankerous, counter rhythms, Dirtwire rapped:
“Straight to Wall Street, Straight to the Pentagon. What you gonna do? Where you gonna take it?"

There were lots of devoted fans present, who rapped or chanted right along.

Dirtwire took ˜When The Levee Breaks” to a new level, which is no small feat. It was every bit as rousing as Led Zeppelin’s fine version, but more. Unique with their special flair of intricate beats. Even Jimmy Page, never mastered slide banjo. The blues harp solo was rich and forceful.

“Shish Kabobs” is about the most singable song ever written, but the structure left lots of space for brilliant bass lines, too. And when push came to shove, this trio took to the drum sticks, each one outdoing his musical brother - All to the audience’s delight.

“Next one is for all you earth activists, all you farmers.” David teased. The dreamy, blues intro. escalated abruptly into a swamp.

“This one’s all about sitting as low as you can go.” David clarified. The lyrics were fun and extraordinarily playful. As for the instrumental parts, the banjo said the rest.

“Make some noise, you feeling alright?” With their natural stage presence and flair for roots and all-things contemporary, Dirtwire is the definitive crowd pleaser. They performed the last song,"Stranger” to a barrage of applause.